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Golf Course Architect
Eddie J. Hackett (1910–1996) was an Irish golf course architect revered for his naturalistic and economical approach, often called the “father of golf course design” in Ireland.
He began life in Dublin, overcame serious childhood illness, and turned pro at age 22, working under Fred Smyth, Henry Cotton, and Sid Brews before becoming the head professional at Portmarnock in 1939. It wasn’t until his mid‑fifties that he laid out his first full 18‑hole design, starting a prolific second act in golf architecture.
Over a career spanning more than three decades, he designed, reshaped, or enhanced well over 100 courses across Ireland—including Old Conna (1986) and Skerries (1969)—favoring routing that respected the land and eschewed extravagant earthmoving. His thoughtful, modest, and player‑friendly style earned him wide esteem and a silver medal from the European Institute of Golf Course Architects shortly before his death.
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